Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Holodomor

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to recognise the Holodomor in 1932–33 as genocide of the Ukrainian people.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Holodomor was an horrific, human-made disaster. The UK's long-standing position is that any judgment on whether genocide has taken place is a matter for a competent court, after consideration of all the evidence, rather than a decision for governments or non-judicial parties.

Gaza: Armed Conflict

The Marquess of Lothian: To ask His Majesty's Government when they last held discussions on the future of Gaza with the governments of (1) Saudi Arabia and (2) Egypt.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK Government continues to engage regularly with counterparts from both the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The Prime Minister last met with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, HH Mohammed bin Salman, on 19 October in Riyadh, and the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El Sisi on 01 December, in the margins of COP 28. The Foreign Secretary last met with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Faisal bin Farhad Al Saud, on 14 December in London. The Foreign Secretary and I as the Minister for the Middle East met with President Sisi and the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sameh Shoukry, during our regional visit 20-21 December. In all engagements UK Ministers, including the Prime Minister, have reiterated the Government's position: we support a two-state solution that guarantees security, justice and stability for both the Israelis and Palestinians.

Gaza: Ceasefires

Lord Roberts of Llandudno: To ask His Majesty's Government why the UK abstained in the UN General Assembly vote on resolution A/RES/ES-10/22 on a ceasefire in Gaza.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are gravely concerned about the desperate situation in Gaza. The scale of civilian deaths and displacement in Gaza cannot continue. We have been consistent in supporting a sustainable ceasefire, but we abstained as the resolution as it did not condemn the atrocities Hamas committed against Israeli civilians on 7 October. Israel has a right to self-defence and must address the threat posed by Hamas while upholding International Humanitarian Law. We continue to press both at the UN and directly with Israel for unhindered humanitarian access and substantive, repeated humanitarian pauses to allow for this to happen.

China: Philippines

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask His Majesty's Government what is their assessment ofthe tactics deployed by Chinese vessels against the Philippines on 9 and 10 December in the South China Sea.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK condemns the unsafe and escalatory tactics taken by Chinese vessels against the Philippines on 9 and 10 December in the South China Sea. The UK opposes any action which raises tensions, including harassment, unsafe conduct and intimidation tactics which increase the risk of miscalculation and threaten regional peace and stability. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) sets out the legal framework that governs all activities in the ocean and seas. We oppose any claims that are not founded in UNCLOS. Both China and the Philippines must adhere to the findings of the 2016 Arbitral Award proceedings, which are legally binding on both parties. This position is reflected in an FCDO Spokesperson statement of 11 December, which was issued in response to the latest incidents. The UK will continue to support regional partners through an enhanced programme of maritime capacity building in Southeast Asia which provides training and funding to strengthen regional capacity on maritime law and security.

Hamas: Sexual Offences

The Marquess of Lothian: To ask His Majesty's Government what factual conclusions they have reached about the use of rape and sexual violence against women as a weapon of war during the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel on 7 October; what further steps they will take at the United Nations to raise the issue of the use of rape and sexual violence against women in conflict; and what steps they are taking, together with international partners, to ensure that the perpetrators of such violence are brought to justice for war crimes at the International Criminal Tribunal.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The reports of sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas against Israeli women and girls and other civilians are horrifying. We unequivocally condemn sexual violence in Israel and wherever it occurs in the world. Conflict-related sexual violence is an abuse of human rights and when perpetrated in the context of an armed conflict, can constitute a violation of international humanitarian law such as a war crime. We are regularly engaging with partners, including the UN, on this issue to urge that all reports of gender-based violence are rigorously and independently investigated and that perpetrators are held to account, to ensure justice for victims.The UK is committed to strengthening the global response to conflict-related sexual violence. Our Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI) strategy, launched in 2022, sets out the work we are leading globally to prevent Conflict-Related Sexual Violence and strengthen justice for all survivors. The Minister of State for the Middle East, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon gave a statement on 15 December regarding the reports of sexual violence by Hamas, calling for them to be fully investigated to ensure justice for survivors and victims.

Libya: Human Trafficking

The Earl of Sandwich: To ask His Majesty's Government what they have done during 2023 to slow the activities of traffickers in Libya who are exploiting asylum-seekers ultimately bound for the UK.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK is committed to supporting the UN-facilitated, Libyan-led and owned political process to secure peace, stability and prosperity in Libya. This offers the surest route to tackling challenges such as human rights violations and illegal migration. HMG has been prioritising efforts in Libya on disrupting the human trafficking business model and pursuing trafficking targets. As a result, we have successfully disrupted several human trafficking operations and arrested smugglers responsible for exploiting irregular migrants and managing broader criminal networks in Libya.

Israel: Palestinians

Lord Hussain: To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Israel regarding the detention of Palestinian children in prisons, and what steps they are taking to encourage their release.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK is committed to working with Israel to secure improvements in detention practices in Israel. We have made plain our concern about the continued reports of ill-treatment of Palestinian detainees in Israeli military detention, particularly of children. Reports of the heavy use of painful restraints and the high number of Palestinian children who are not informed of their legal rights, in contravention of Israel's own regulations, are particularly troubling. The UK repeatedly calls on Israel to abide by its obligations under international law and we have a regular dialogue with Israel on legal issues relating to the occupation.

Israel: Hamas

The Marquess of Lothian: To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the President of the United States regarding Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza since President Biden’s comments on 12 December that Israel was "losing support" globally over its "indiscriminate" bombing of Gaza.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: During his visit to the US, the Foreign Secretary said we stand united in the Middle East, working together to ensure long-term security and stability in the region. He met with Secretary of State Blinken and other senior US government officials where he discussed getting humanitarian aid into Gaza and how the UK and US can work towards enabling a long-term two-state solution. The Prime Minister has repeatedly stressed to Israeli leaders that they must abide by International Humanitarian Law and take every effort to protect civilians. The UK is deeply concerned by the high loss of civilian life in Gaza and widespread destruction. Israel does have the right to defend itself against terror, restore its security and bring the hostages home within the bounds of International Humanitarian Law.

Roderick Drummond

Lord Scriven: To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Bahraini diplomatic mission requested permission to give an award to former ambassador to Bahrain Roderick Drummond; and if so, on what date the permission was denied.

Lord Scriven: To ask His Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer byLord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 12 December (HL680), on what specific grounds within the Rules on Acceptance of Foreign Awards was former ambassador to Bahrain Roderick Drummond denied permission to accept the award given to him by the government of that country.

Lord Scriven: To ask His Majesty's Government whether the former ambassadors to Bahrain Ian Lindsay and Simon Martin received permission to accept foreign honours given to themby Bahrain, and if so, on what dates the Bahraini diplomatic mission in London was notified of this permission.

Lord Scriven: To ask His Majesty's Government what stepsthey are taking to ensure that UK Ambassadors to Bahrain do not (1) accept awards, or (2) take jobs or paid consultancy, from the Bahrain government when they step down from that role.

Lord Scriven: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 12 December (HL680),why the former ambassador of Bahrain Roderick Drummond has been allowed to accept the award given to him by Bahrain in July in apparent violation of the Rules on Acceptance of Foreign Awards, and if they will now require him to hand the award back.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The Bahrain Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a Note Verbale about the award for the previous British Ambassador on 5 June 2023. The Ministry was informed on 22 June that permission could not be granted, as per paragraph 18 of the UK Rules on Acceptance of Foreign Awards, which states permission, unrestricted or restricted, will not be granted, in particular, to Heads or other members of HM Diplomatic or Consular establishments abroad, for example when leaving their posts - whether on transfer or on final retirement.The Government of Bahrain did not seek permission in advance of presenting awards to the two previous British Ambassadors to Bahrain. Where an award is conferred without permission, a Head of Mission, will not be given permission to formally accept, or wear, the award but is allowed to retain it. There is no requirement to return the award. Head of Missions are reminded of the UK Rules on the Acceptance of Foreign Awards on a regular basis.Crown servants, including all civil servants, are subject to the Business Appointment Rules (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/business-appointment-rules) when accepting new appointments after Crown service. These form part of the Civil Service Management Code and apply to all civil servants intending to take up an external appointment or employment after leaving the Civil Service. For Senior Civil Servants such as the British Ambassador to Bahrain, these Rules apply for two years following their departure. Whilst in Civil Service employment, all staff must report any approach from an outside employer with an offer of an appointment or employment for which approval would be required under the Rules if they plan to follow up the offer.

Hassan Mushaima

Lord Scriven: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have madeof the joint letter sent to the King of Bahrain by 15 non-governmental organisations on 11 December concerning the declining health of imprisoned opposition leader Hassan Mushaima; and what representations they have made to the government of Bahrain to (1) secure his release(2) ensure he receives adequate medical care, and(3) secure him access to his medical records.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The FCDO continues to follow and discuss the case of Hasan Mushaima with the Government of Bahrain and oversight bodies, most recently on 20 December.  Bahrain is clear that access to medical care for those in detention is guaranteed and is provided as needed. We also encourage those with specific concerns to raise them directly with the appropriate Bahraini oversight body.

Pakistan: Blasphemy

Lord Jackson of Peterborough: To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had recently with the government of Pakistan on that country’s blasphemy laws insofar as they affect Christians and converts to Christianity, and the impact of that legislation on Pakistan’s international treaty obligations.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We regularly raise our concern over the (mis)use of Pakistan's blasphemy laws privately at the highest levels. We continue to press for due process and adherence to international obligations to prevent wrongful convictions, and speedy and fair trials for those accused. We also urge the Pakistani authorities to ensure the safety of those released. I raised the use of blasphemy laws to target marginalised religious communities, including Christians, with then-Minister for Human Rights Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada on 27 June. The High Commissioner also raised this issue with the Caretaker Minister for Human Rights Khalil George on 12 October.

Israel: Diplomatic Relations

Lord Shinkwin: To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Gulf states on revitalising security and diplomatic arrangements with Israel after the Israel-Hamas War.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK is a supporter of Israel's normalisation ambitions; and of the Abraham Accords, an historic milestone that bring us closer to the goal of shared prosperity and peace throughout the region. We continue to encourage close regional cooperation, and the need to work towards ending the war between Israel and Hamas, and to secure sustainable peace and justice for Israelis and Palestinians through he delivery of the Two State Solution. We are continuing intensive engagement with Gulf states, bilaterally and in November, the former Foreign Secretary met seven Arab League Foreign Ministers in Saudi Arabia. The Foreign Secretary and I hosted Foreign Ministers from the OIC in London including 5 Arab states.

Hamas: Hostage Taking

Lord Shinkwin: To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with (1) the government of Israel, (2) theInternational Red Cross, and (3) the Gulf states, about the conditions in which the hostages of Hamas are being held, and their health and wellbeing.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The safety of British Nationals is our utmost priority, and we are working around the clock to get them home. Urgent work is continuing at all levels with regional leaders and others to ensure all remaining hostages are safely freed. We are not going to give a running commentary on hostage negotiations, which are highly sensitive and ongoing, but we're involved in intensive diplomatic efforts to secure the release of hostages and working with Israel, the US and other diplomatic partners.

Civil Society: Human Rights

Lord Jackson of Peterborough: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to encourage UK ambassadors to consider the importance of engaging with local civil society organisations on issues of fundamental human rights, and especially of freedom of belief and religion.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Our global diplomatic network works in partnership with civil society and human rights defenders to encourage all states to protect and advance human rights, including the right to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB). Our Annual Human Rights and Democracy Reports are an important part of this work.FoRB is one of the UK's longstanding human rights priorities. Fiona Bruce MP, the Prime Minister's Special Envoy for FoRB works actively to raise awareness of FoRB issues in relevant countries, including by chairing a series of roundtables, bringing together civil society experts and FCDO officials.In addition, the FCDO International Academy's "Religion for International Engagement" training is essential for FCDO officials in relevant posts and highly recommended for all FCDO staff.

Gaza: Ceasefires

Lord Blencathra: To ask His Majesty's Government whatassessment they have madeof the impact on the morale of Hamas caused by the UK's decision not to veto the United Nations Security Council resolutioncalling for an immediate ceasefire inGaza on 8 December.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK Government does not routinely comment on intelligence assessments. We have repeatedly made clear that the desperate humanitarian situation in Gaza requires urgent action to save the lives of innocent civilians. The UK welcomes the adoption of UNSCR 2720, which calls for expanded humanitarian access in Gaza. The resolution also calls for steps towards a sustainable ceasefire, reflecting the recent calls from the Foreign Secretary. A sustainable ceasefire means that Hamas is no longer able to threaten Israel with rocket attacks and other forms of terrorism.

Gaza: Ceasefires

Lord Blencathra: To ask His Majesty's Government why the UK did notto support the United States in vetoing the United Nations Security Council motion calling for an immediate ceasefire on Gaza on 8 December

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK Government does not routinely comment on intelligence assessments. We have repeatedly made clear that the desperate humanitarian situation in Gaza requires urgent action to save the lives of innocent civilians. The UK welcomes the adoption of UNSCR 2720, which calls for expanded humanitarian access in Gaza. The resolution also calls for steps towards a sustainable ceasefire, reflecting the recent calls from the Foreign Secretary. A sustainable ceasefire means that Hamas is no longer able to threaten Israel with rocket attacks and other forms of terrorism.

Home Office

Domestic Abuse

Baroness Lister of Burtersett: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answers byLord Sharpe of Epsom on 4 April (HL6672 and HL6673), and further to the remarks byLord Sharpe of Epsom on 12 July (HL Deb cols 1727–1730), whether they have now published (1) their response to the Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s report Safety before status: the solutions, published on 13 December 2022, (2) their decision on the reservation on Article 59 of the Istanbul Convention, and (3) the migrant victims’ protocol.

Lord Sharpe of Epsom: The Government’s response to the Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s report Safety Before Status: The Solutions was published in July 2023 and can be found at Gov.UK. The reservation on Article 59 of the Istanbul Convention will be kept under review as policies which address support for migrant victims of domestic abuse develop. Official advice will be provided to Ministers on the reservation, in due course. The Migrant Victims Protocol is in the final stages of development. The Department expects this to be published in early 2024.

Cabinet Office

Police: Northern Ireland

Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee: To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given toawarding the Elizabeth Cross to the members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, the Ulster Special Constabulary and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, who died as a result of terrorism or in the course of their duty in Northern Ireland, since the mid-1960s.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe: The Elizabeth Cross was introduced by Her Late Majesty The Queen specifically for the next of kin of Regular and Reserve Armed Forces personnel and Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel who have died on operations, or as a result of an act of terrorism, since 1 January 1948. The eligibility criteria for the Elizabeth Cross do not, therefore, extend to the next of kin of personnel who served in the Royal Ulster Constabulary, the Ulster Special Constabulary, or the Police Service of Northern Ireland. All lives lost in the line of public duty are a tragedy. Work is continuing on an appropriate way to mark the contribution of all public servants who are killed while serving the people of the United Kingdom.

Digital Economy Act 2017

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will publish the last annual assessment of the effectiveness of Chapter 1 of Part 5 of the Digital Economy Act 2017.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe: We will publish the annual assessment for 2023 following its presentation to the Public Service Delivery (PSD) Review Board and subsequent Ministerial approval. The current public service delivery powers of the Digital Economy Act have been operational since 2018. The powers enable public authorities to respond quickly and effectively to complex problems, improve citizens' well-being and improve access to public services. It has previously not been the practice for assessments to be presented in the form of a written report. Instead, the relevant Minister has received oral briefings in relation to the activities of the PSD Review Board, including relevant information on the use of the public service delivery data sharing powers. The PSD Review Board monitors the efficacy of the Digital Economy Act 2017 as a whole, including the effectiveness of the Chapter 1, Part 5 data sharing powers. The terms of reference and quarterly minutes are published on GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/digital-economy-act-public-service-delivery-review-board Ministers were also informed of the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) review of the data sharing powers under Part 5 of the DEA (March 2023 - https://ico.org.uk/media/about-the-ico/documents/4024606/ico-review-dea-20230314.pdf). This review addresses the commitment made during the passage of the legislation that the ICO would look at the powers around 3 years after they became operational.

Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

Refugees: Ukraine

Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the economic contribution of Ukrainian refugees who are on temporary visas.

Baroness Penn: The government has not made a specific assessment of the economic contribution of Ukrainian refugees on temporary visas, as it does not hold the necessary data to measure this.Employment data is published on Ukrainian nationals in the UK, (this also includes Ukrainians not on any of the dedicated visa schemes) which can be found here:Analysis of Ukrainian nationals entering employment in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)  Analysis of Ukrainian nationals entering (pdf, 109.5KB)